Roof Rack questions for 8sd

[HJ19074]

Hello,

I am 2019 8sd owner. I want roof rack DYI and I have couple of questions before I start it

1. Any recommendations for roof rack?
From Amazon, I found two options…

Swagman Bicycle Roamer RV Approved Cross Bars Roof Bike Rack https://a.co/d/eERT3P3

And

SportRack SR1020 Camp Trailer Rack System,Black https://a.co/d/hSPmyvc


Swagman is little cheaper but SportRack looks more sturdy.


2. I guess the installation is pretty similar each other. From the instruction, those are need drilling on top of ceiling.
I am concerned about what if my popup doesn’t have solid structure under the hood?

If any of you dealing with this concerns, please advice.
FYI, my 8sd doesn’t comes with rails it just flat surfaces.

Thanks in advance!

Happy Camping

[johneliot]

Probably not what you want to hear but I would not put a roof rack on my tent trailer. You’re better of using the roof of your tow vehicle or the bed of your truck if that’s your tow vehicle.

[TaftCoach]

Remember you will be removing whatever is on top each time you open the PUP. That's a pain but sometimes unavoidable.

If that is the only option consider ways to install vertical supports from the frame to above the roof. I've always found that avoiding putting holes in anything meant to be water tight is better.

[HJ19074]

Originally Posted by johneliot

Probably not what you want to hear but I would not put a roof rack on my tent trailer. You’re better of using the roof of your tow vehicle or the bed of your truck if that’s your tow vehicle.

Yes.. I consider this as well.
My vehicle is minivan and it’s bit hard to load/unload bike from the roof due to the height..

Thanks for your opinion

[HJ19074]

Originally Posted by TaftCoach

Remember you will be removing whatever is on top each time you open the PUP. That's a pain but sometimes unavoidable.

If that is the only option consider ways to install vertical supports from the frame to above the roof. I've always found that avoiding putting holes in anything meant to be water tight is better.

Yes I feel it’s too much work for dad

Might be better carrying the bikes on towing vehicle.

Thanks!

[bankr63]

We used the SportRack for several years and it held up well. Bars are very solid with no noticeable deflection under load.

Pay attention to the location of the bars, you want to ensure that you don't impede any roof vents. Ours was a bit close and bike racks would have to be moved over a bit after arrival so the vent could open.

Our 1007 had rails on the edge, so installation will be different, also had ours installed at purchase so didn't DIY. Never leaked after installation.

[HJ19074]

Originally Posted by bankr63

We used the SportRack for several years and it held up well. Bars are very solid with no noticeable deflection under load.

Pay attention to the location of the bars, you want to ensure that you don't impede any roof vents. Ours was a bit close and bike racks would have to be moved over a bit after arrival so the vent could open.

Our 1007 had rails on the edge, so installation will be different, also had ours installed at purchase so didn't DIY. Never leaked after installation.

Thank you for sharing!

That’s exactly what I am looking for.
Unfortunately my 8sd doesn’t came with rails.
I probably carrying on towing vehicle.